Theology, Ministry & Mission... that's what we teach academically at vicar school, alongside and incorporating ministerial formation for a number of traditions.  But just what do we mean by those words?

Yesterday was a day that seemed to capture something of the essence as it really was a bit of everything...

I preached on the Lectionary readings of Isaiah 65: 17 - 25 and 2 Thessalonians 3: 6 - 13 about the God of hope who rejoices in all that God has made, about the vision of a new or renewed creation characterised by flourishing for all life... and about the need for us to get stuck in and help bring it to pass.

As part of the service we prayed with and for two people we've been supporting to differing degrees in the asylum process, one moving elsewhere to dispersal accommodation (which they are pleased about), one staying put in permanent accommodation (which they are delighted with).  We are also just starting to get to know another who has been dispersed here.

We had a fire drill - and with real good humour everyone cleared the building and assembled in under two minutes.  We learned how we could do this even better another time.

We are lunch together - delicious veggie and meaty stews with pickles, followed by apple sponge and cream. And as part of this raised money for Home Mission.

In coming weeks, we will hold a toy service, gathering gifts for people trapped in poverty; we will host a radio Stoke Christmas Coffee Morning; we will hold our first Community Carol Festival; we will make Advent wreaths as an act of worship, we will sing carols by candlelight, and we will hold a Christingle Service - and more besides.

This is mission.  This is ministry... Messy, unpredictable, costly and courageous.  And the God who dreams of a renewed creation abso-bloomin'-lutely loves it!